Crown of Sunlight

by Payton Taylor

  Of course, the thought of a reward brought Westin's mind back to the kiss they'd last shared.

  Something he thought about quite often. Not a single night had passed that he hadn’t thought about her body pressed against his. Now that she insisted on sleeping in his room for fear of ghosts, it took him longer and longer each night to fall asleep, the task getting more difficult with time rather than easier.

  The scent of her floral shampoo lingered throughout his home, even following him to work. Last night, he had hit an all-time low: watching her sleep. He had watched her for almost an hour before he’d realized how creepy he would appear if she were to wake up.

  He was brought back to the present when Noelani walked over to the side of the room to get a drink of water. She lifted the hem of her shirt to wipe the sweat from her brow then, looking down and seeing it was drenched in sweat, she took her shirt off altogether.

  “What are you doing?” Westin rasped, taking in the smooth planes of her stomach.

  She looked down at herself in confusion, “What? Don’t women wear sports bras to work out in, here?”

  “Yeah. . .” he said, his voice coming out lower than he intended it to.

  “Okay. . .” she drawled, “Let’s get back to work, then.”

  How am I supposed to do this? he thought.

  Skin-on-skin contact was hard enough around her, but as she walked toward him, golden skin glistening and breasts barely covered, how was anyone supposed to concentrate when she looked like that?

  Westin shook himself. He couldn’t let the pull he felt towards her distract him.

  As they fell into their familiar routine, he had to fight to keep his gaze on her face, her exposed skin dragging his eyes downward.

  That’s when she swept his feet out from under him. Again.

  As he fell backward, she tackled him, straddling him with his arms pinned between his body and her legs. On instinct, his own legs came up, wrapping around her and pulling her back. He followed the movement, pinning her legs between their chests, his hands holding hers to the side so that she was utterly cocooned.

  Knowing her hatred of confined spaces, he eased back. Once her legs were free, she jerked her hips to the side, rolling until she was on top of him once again.

  She tutted. “Never let your guard down,” she said, in a throaty voice. They held each other’s gazes, breathing heavily. She had landed with her elbows on his chest, her face close to his.

  Some of her hair had fallen free from her ponytail, tickling his face. He tried to keep his hand from trembling as he gently tucked it behind her ear. Once he was touching her, he couldn’t help letting his finger trail down her jawline to her neck, stopping just above her collarbone. He heard her suck in a sharp breath.

  He felt more than saw the change come over her. Felt her desire flow into him as her eyes darkened. Could she feel the change in him, too?

  Oh so slowly, she ran her hands up his chest and neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

  Cupping his face, her thumb lightly caressed his bottom lip, causing his breath to catch in his lungs. As if on instinct, his lips parted and his tongue darted out, tracing the same path her thumb had stroked.

  Her eyes tracked the movement intensely. The next thing he felt was her lips on his. And he was gone.

  As his hands trailed down to her waist, he was lost in the softness of her skin. Her lips, sure and confident, trailed kisses down his neck and jawline before she leaned back away from him.

  All he could think was, Please. Don’t. Stop.

  “Arms up,” she whispered. She didn’t have to ask twice.

  Sitting up, he did as he was told. She swiftly removed his shirt and gently grazed her nails down his chest and stomach, instantly giving him chills.

  Her lips pulled up in a cocky smile at the effect she had on him.

  Then her eyes met his, and she raised her arms, silently asking for him to do the same. He put his fingers on her hips and slid them up until he reached underneath her bra and took it off.

  A deep noise escaped from the back of his throat as he took in the sight of her body. Bringing her lips back to his, he moved forward, gently laying her on her back. He kissed her lips once, twice, before moving downward, showering her with kisses.

  When he reached the hem of her pants, he lightly traced her skin where the material began. The sounds she was making made him want to rip the rest of her clothes off and devour her, then and there. But he stopped himself as he reached for the waistband of her pants and asked, “Are you sure about this?”

  She merely nodded, and that was all he needed to strip the rest of her clothing off. When he was finished, he sat back, drinking her in. She was the most exquisite thing he had ever seen.

  “If only Kohe would stop time now, so I could stay in this moment with you forever.” A beautiful blush blanketed her body from his words and the intensity of his gaze.

  Her eyes, filled with longing, locked on his. “Let’s make it memorable, then,” she said, and Westin knew she meant goodbye. That this was all they had. This was the memory he’d be left with. It would be seared into his mind forever.

  His eyes lingered on her face before he couldn’t stand it anymore. He had to touch her.

  Slowly, starting at her ankles, he ran his hands up both of her legs to her hips, trailing over her waist and grazing the sides of her breasts before returning to her lovely face.

  Just as their lips were about to meet again, a knock at the door had him jerking back as he heard his mother call out, “Hello, Westin, we’re here!

  Chapter 35

  Sunny

  Writhia, 5219

  Ettria

  “Hello, Westin, we’re here!”

  Sunny barely heard the feminine voice, swept away as she was by pheromones and adrenaline.

  Westin jerked back, letting out a foul curse.

  The cold rushed in to fill his absence. He began gathering up her clothes and handed them back, whispering, “Sorry, my family’s here!”

  Sunny blanched, his family?!

  Without another word, she jetted to the bathroom, using every ounce of Westin’s speed she could muster. Once she was in the bathroom, she dressed quickly before slumping on the toilet with her head in her hands.

  What have I gotten myself into? she thought.

  She hadn’t meant for it to go that far, but she’d never felt such a powerful connection to anyone before. She had only known Westin for a few weeks, and it sort of scared her how close they had grown. Everything with Westin was easy, easier than it should be, and he was so thoughtful. His emotions and actions always seemed so genuine. In the short time she’d known him, he knew her better than any guy she’d met before. Sunny knew she was attractive, but no one had ever looked at her the way Westin gazed at her.

  Like she was the sun, the point around which he revolved.

  The last time they had kissed she'd stopped it, consumed by guilt. But as she and Westin had grown closer, all she could think about was the fact that she'd have to leave him and never see him again. What happened in the training room was going to be her goodbye, the only farewell that seemed intimate enough for what she felt for him.

  Her thoughts came back to the matter at hand. What did Westin mean his family was there? Was it just his parents? Were his siblings there, too? Was she supposed to hide in the bathroom the whole time?

  As if in answer there was a knock at the door, and she heard Westin’s quiet voice asking if she was okay. She whispered that she was and that she’d be out in a minute, and felt him move away from the door.

  She stood up and looked in the mirror.

  Great, now she had sex hair. She quickly combed her fingers through her hair and washed her face. She wished she had time to change out of her sweaty clothes and freshen up.

  She looked in the mirror and gave herself a pep talk. Okay, Sunny, you’ve been up against worse than this before. You’ll just have to turn the charm up to eleven. Make them forget y
ou’re wearing a khaki sweat outfit. She gave herself a bright smile and a thumbs up. You got this, girl.

  She walked out of the bathroom, head held high and smile bright. Ten pairs of eyes fell on her as everyone stopped what they were doing and conversation ceased.

  Shit, I didn’t think I’d be walking into a stadium. I guess he meant his whole family, she thought.

  Even if Westin hadn’t called them his family, she would have known it immediately, as they all closely resembled each other.

  An older woman about Sunnys height stepped forward. There were gray streaks in her curly black hair. “Westin, honey, what is the Viannese princess doing in your living room?”

  Westin cleared his throat, “It’s a long story, Mom. I’ll explain later.” There was a tense moment when everyone looked back and forth between Sunny and Westin.

  "So," asked one of the young men who had to be one of Westin's brothers, "is this the reason you've canceled the last two family dinners?" He arched a brow suggestively.

  Sunny looked to Westin, who in turn looked to his mother. She broke the tension by clearing her throat, much in the same way Westin often did. “Well, I suppose we’ll need another place at the table, then. Westin, set the table.”

  He gave Sunny a helpless look. “Yes, Mother.”

  As Westin started setting the table and his mother began unloading take-out boxes of food, the rest of his family stared at her with the intensity of meerkats.

  Then a young girl who looked about nine giggled and started chanting, “Westin’s got a girlfriend, Westin’s got a girlfriend!”

  Sunny felt herself blush and by the third round of chanting his other four siblings had joined in.

  A man who looked like an older version of Westin stepped forward, looking as if he was trying to suppress a laugh. He placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head, “Phillip Airoldi. It’s an honor to meet you, Princess.”

  She returned the gesture. “You as well, sir.

  I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  He nudged her arm. “Nothing bad, I hope,” he said with a laugh.

  She gave him her most charming smile. "Of course not, sir."

  One of Westin's brothers called out,

  “Westin! Introduce us to your girlfriend!” Sunny grinned, just to tease him, “Yeah,

  Westin, introduce me!”

  Looking flustered, Westin walked over.

  “Noelani, this is my father, Philip, and my mother, Rowahn,” he gestured to his parents, who bowed their heads in greeting. “The big ugly one in the corner is my oldest brother, Clyde, the slightly smaller ugly one is my brother, Joel, and the handsome one who looks like me is Axe.” His brothers all smiled and rolled their eyes at his introduction, Westin grinning as well. Then, he walked up to stand between the little girl and a girl who looked about fourteen and put his arms around them. “And these two beauties here are my sisters, Ariella,” he nodded toward the older girl, “and Tansy.” He nodded at the smaller girl who had started the girlfriend chant. She gave Sunny a toothy smile.

  He walked over to a beautiful woman whose hair was in a braided bun on top of her head. She had an infant in her arms and a toddler holding onto her leg. “This is Clyde’s Match, Imogen. And this little rascal here is Talyn,” he said ruffling the boy's hair. He gestured to the baby girl in Imogen’s arms, “And the newest Airoldi, Isolde. Everyone, this is Princess Noelani.” He had smiled warmly through the entire introduction.

  Sunny couldn’t help but return his smile.

  She could feel the love between the members of this family. Placing her fist against her heart, she bowed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

  At that moment, Rowahn stepped forward and told them it was time to eat. They all sat at the table, Sunny sitting next to Westin. It was a bit awkward and quiet at first until Joel broke the silence.

  “So, Westin, what’s it like dating a princess?” he asked around a mouthful of food.

  Tansy let out a giggle while Rowahn snapped at him to chew with his mouth closed.

  Westin rolled his eyes, “We’re not dating,

  Joel.”

  “Yeah,” said Sunny, trying to come to his rescue, “Wes is just training me.” She immediately knew she had made a mistake when Westin cringed and his brothers burst into laughter.

  “Oh, Wes is training you?” Joel snickered. Then, imitating Sunny’s higher voice, “Train me, Wes! Train me!”

  Axe joined in. “Oh, is that what they’re calling it these days, Wes?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  Her mind immediately going to what they’d been doing when his family arrived, Sunny felt the heat rise to her cheeks and took a drink of her water to try to cover her blush.

  Westin glanced at her and, noticing she was uncomfortable, said, “All right, that’s enough, guys.” He radiated a protective energy that could be felt throughout the room.

  The table quieted, and Sunny glanced at his parents, hoping she hadn’t somehow started an argument.

  That was when the entire table burst into laughter.

  “You’re awfully defensive, Wes,” Ariella chimed. “I haven’t seen someone this defensive since Clyde realized Imogen was his Match.”

  Sunny noticed Rowahn's eyes fly to his face in suspicion.

  Sunny looked around the room, confused. "What's a Match?"

  Westin tensed next to her and she almost swore she could feel his anxiety.

  Rowahn turned to Sunny, "A Match is the person the gods have chosen especially for you. Not every person has a Match, but when Liebbe, the goddess of love, finds two souls that complement each other perfectly, she Matches them." She smiled fondly at Philip.

  Joel spoke up, leaning back in his chair. "Or it can be a genetic match, that's what science says."

  Rowahn turned to glare at him, "The gods do not make mistakes."

  Joel grinned and mouthed the words along with her, as if it was an old argument between the two.

  "You'll see one day, Joel Airoldi." Rowahn pointed a finger at him.

  Joel rolled his eyes, "Liebbe strike me down if someone ever shows up saying they're my Match," he mumbled. He glanced up at Sunny and grinned, "I'm like a bird, I gotta be free."

  Ariella nudged him, "I think it's romantic.

  One day, my Match will come and we'll live in perfect harmony. Well, as long as they do what I say," she grinned a dimpled grin before turning to Westin to say, "I just hope they're not all defensive like you."

  Westin rolled his eyes. “Ari, you’re seventy- four, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  She sniffed at that. “I'm celebrating my seventy-fifth summer next week! Noelani, do you think you’ll be here for my party?”

  “Umm, yeah, I’ll try to be there,” she answered distractedly.

  Damn this freaking age thing, Sunny thought.

  She was practically a baby there.

  She glanced at Westin. “Your little sister is older than me?” she whispered as quietly as she could. She winced as soon as she had said it, realizing that more than half the people there shared

  Westin’s Gift and had heard her with their heightened hearing.

  Ariella grinned. “How old are you?” she asked sweetly.

  Sunny groaned inwardly. She had been just as cheeky as a teenager.

  Her voice was higher than usual when she answered, “Twenty-four."

  There was a beat of silence before the entire table burst into laughter.

  Again.

  Joel was the first to call out, “Westin’s a cradle-robber!”

  Even Clyde, who had seemed more reserved before, said, “Westin, I hadn’t realized you liked them so young!”

  Westin put his head in his hands as Tansy asked what a cradle robber was. When Rowahn told her it was nothing, she replied, “I’m eighteen!

  Almost as old as the princess! I should get to know!”

  Great, now the eight-year-old is almost as old as me.

  Westin’s fat
her quietly piped in, the table quieting for him to be heard. “If you don’t mind me asking, Princess, how is it possible that you’re only twenty-four when King Silvius announced your birth one hundred years ago, if I remember correctly.”

  Sunny was slightly distracted by hearing her father's name so casually spoken by a stranger.

  Then it dawned on her what he had said, “Oh yeah!” she exclaimed, triumphant, “I’m one hundred and two! BOO-YAH!” She shouted, throwing her hands up in the air.

  They all stared at her, puzzled.

  “Sorry,” she muttered, “that’s just something we say on Earth when something works out in our favor.”

  Now everyone looked curious, as if they had forgotten she was from another realm. Going back to the question before, she turned back to Philip and said, “I guess time works differently on Earth. Most people are lucky to live to be one hundred, and everyone reaches adulthood at eighteen.”

  Tansy looked extremely pleased with this as she exclaimed, “See, I’m an adult!”

  Sunny chuckled before continuing, “I was on Earth for only twenty-two years, yet one hundred passed here.”

  Westin’s father nodded, seeming perplexed.

  Rowahn asked, “What is Earth like? Did you have to leave your family behind?” Her face was filled with motherly concern.

  “Yeah, how did you even get here?” Ariella asked curiously.

  Not seeing any reason to hold back, Sunny told them everything. When she told them her mother had died when she was eighteen, they expressed their sympathy.

  When she reached the part about the Swarog, as expected, everyone tensed, and Clyde asked, “How did you escape?”

  She hesitated, looking around the table, before saying, “I made a deal.” Everyone gasped, and Westin held her hand under the table for support. “I had to. It was either that or he would kill my sister.”

  Westin's hand tightened on hers as the family all looked at each other in mutual understanding. As she finished her story, she changed up some of the details. She didn’t tell them that the Ettrian King had kidnapped Jo, just that she was in Ettria to visit her sister and Westin had offered to train her.